Idea Level: Record Keeper, Creator, Life Concept
Planetary Level: Watcher, Dragon Slayer
Regional Level: Fiore Apsity, Paula Pamé
The ranks of the Outsiders, and the names of the Outsiders that correspond to those ranks, were neatly written on the paper by the Saint’s hand. After finishing, he stared at the paper, lost in thought. Maybe he was wondering where to begin explaining.
The Saint, pondering while resting his chin on his fingers, nodded as if he’d made up his mind and snapped his fingers. “Alright. It’s probably best if I explain everything from the beginning, isn’t it?”
He circled the sentence “Regional Level” on the paper. “‘Regional Level’ is a term we use to describe Outsiders who can only influence a specific area. The Gardener and the Cook are typical examples. The Gardener, for instance, can’t unleash their full power unless their garden conditions are met, and the Cook needs a kitchen to work their magic.”
The Gardener, the Cook. Indeed, without bodies to utilize, the Gardener’s power felt somewhat diminished.
But this raised a question. “Excuse me, but I have a question.”
“Yes, what is it?”
The Saint replied with a smile, as if pleased I’d interrupted. “You mentioned the Gardener’s domain, right? So, wouldn’t the knights have noticed the presence of the Gardener in their domain? How did they overlook this?”
“Haha, that’s a sharp question. One worth asking for sure.”
Frankly, back when we were facing the Gardener, even I felt the overwhelming presence of the Outsiders, but I didn’t find them that strong. If it was the Gardener’s true power back then, I’d consider myself lucky not to have died on the spot.
The Saint seemed to have anticipated my question, nodding. “As you may know, Sir Leydan Tanton, that garden wasn’t originally ‘Fiore Afshitis.’ It’s supposed to be the original Garden of the Gardener, known to the knights. Outsiders below the Planetary Level are significantly influenced by their domains. It so happened they were able to draw some strength due to their synergy with the peculiar Outsider they were facing.”
Of course, this doesn’t mean Regional Level Outsiders can be easily compared to mere beings like ordinary outsiders.
Hearing the Saint’s explanation, everything I’d experienced finally made sense. The disparity compared to Bell, despite the level difference, and the ambiguous influence compared to the Cook.
Was it because they were in their own domain that they could fully exert their power here?
“With the explanation so far, do you understand what Regional Level Outsiders are?”
“Yes.”
At least I got the gist. I reckoned the Planetary Level must be equally straightforward.
“…You’ve probably guessed it already. Yes, Planetary Level means Outsiders who can influence this ‘Earth’ at large. ‘Watcher’ and ‘Dragon Slayer,’ as mentioned, are perfect examples of this level.”
Watcher and Dragon Slayer. Bell’s prowess, and the Dragon Slayer who seemed to toy with the masked figure. At this level, it’s almost irrelevant to worry.
“First, the Watcher. The Watcher’s ability, as you know, is to ‘watch’ a target. Even if the target is on the other side of Earth, they can reach that range. The one being watched feels the effect and quickly senses an encroaching mental collapse.”
Agartha’s symptoms recounted by the Hunter. A whispering horror that seems to compel you towards self-harm.
“The Watcher takes the basic form of a ‘wolf,’ a mix of a wolf and the Saluki breed. This form isn’t just for show; according to records, its physical capabilities are formidable. It’s likely a trap set by an Outsider because no human could have left that record.”
Recalling the book, the Saint coughed, with a hint of gagging. His wary eyes showed the experience wasn’t pleasant at all.
“…Are you okay?”
“My apologies. I can’t stop the explanation for personal reasons. Anyway, that’s the Watcher.”
Next, he circled the words Dragon Slayer. “The Dragon Slayer, as the name suggests, centers on the mythical creature, the dragon. Dragons were called rulers of the sky.”
Rulers of the sky. They could potentially affect the entire Earth.
“So, this means they can affect everything happening in the sky?”
“Correctly interpreted. The Dragon Slayer can track anything in the sky and, if they wish, can split the sky in two with ease.”
Indeed, back then, they seemed to prioritize capturing me rather than truly fighting. If anything, it felt like an adult shaking off a clinging baby.
Hearing about these Outsiders as mere ‘girls’ made me realize once more how overpowering they truly are.
“Wait, what’s up with that silly ranking system!”
“Does it matter? It’s already funny that a weed dares to challenge me.”
“Oh, wanna go like that? How about we settle this?”
“Bring it on. Don’t regret it later.”
“Guys, if you start fighting all of a sudden…”
“Fighting is bad! But also sort of fun…?”
You call it a silly ranking system, yet you seem more upset than anyone! And why is Bell instigating the fight? …This is driving me nuts.
Since the Saint hadn’t finished speaking, I let it slide for now.
“You can probably infer it already, but from the Planetary Level, Outsiders can identify you wherever you are. Their names are impossible to understand because of their high status, and calling their true names carelessly might have unimaginable consequences.”
So, that’s why they were only noted with aliases. …I had hoped like with the Gardener and Cook, their names would translate over somehow. If not now, maybe later when spoken.
Bell is Bell, so that’s fine. Hm.
“With just these two examples, I hope I’ve helped you understand what Planetary Level Outsiders are like.”
The Saint said this, suddenly exhaling nervous breaths.
Is it fear? No. It was ‘excitement.’
Like when university professors finally get the chance to explain something they’re passionate about. That kind of excitement.
“Finally, it’s the Idea Level.”
The Saint vigorously circled the Idea Level statement. Even just reaching the Planetary Level evoked an indescribable aura of awe. I suppose this is what they call cosmic horror? Sweat clung to my palms, making me feel infinitely small.
But Idea Level goes beyond that. It’s likely…
“The Idea Level, as the name implies, represents entities whose mere existence embodies fundamental concepts.”
It must be a force encompassing the entire universe.
“Any concept must be created by someone.”
The Creator.
“And it doesn’t end with creation but must ‘birth,’ meaning manifest.”
The Life Concept.
“And every action leaves a trace. Otherwise, whether it exists or not, nobody would remember or know it.”
And…
“Indeed, the Record Keeper is the Outsider playing the most crucial role within the universe as a concept.”
Insane green blogger. The Saint harshly tapped the Record Keeper’s name. “The Record Keeper is quite different from the other two Outsiders. Both the Creator and Life Concept are hard to detect unless they purpose to appear before us. But the Record Keeper is different.”
The Saint suddenly pulled out stacks of paper, displaying them in front of me. Just looking at the writings gave me a dizzying feeling.
“Hello, everyone! Today, we…”
“People can feel down anytime. And about that…”
“Today we’ll check out a restaurant at 3rd Street, building 5 in Rondan…”
Just from the style, I could tell. These were all Record Keeper’s writings.
“The Record Keeper can interfere with us in various ways. Even if there’s a mental pollution factor in those writings, it’s on par with normal Outsiders. In simple terms, it’s like saying Sir Leydan contracted a cold virus but can prevent it from spreading outside his body.”
Indeed, that was unheard of. Even Bell, who was human-friendly, hadn’t thought of reducing her impact on her targets.
“This overwhelming metacognitive ability allows the Record Keeper to appear before us if they wish or even blend in with us.”
With that, the Saint dropped the pen on the table. “Here’s why we should study the Record Keeper. Despite being the most powerful and important entity in the universe, it’s the only one among conceptual Outsiders we can approach. It’s a rare chance to uncover the world’s truths through them.”
The most influential, king-like being in the universe. The only way to reach out to such an entity.
…It reminded me of what the Gardener had said. They mentioned that I have a smell of the Record Keeper.
I thought the Interrogator’s smell might be from Lia. But why would the smell of the Record Keeper be mixed in? And the unexpected writing appearing between me and the Dragon Slayer?
What exactly does the Record Keeper want from me?
“I have a proposal, Sir Leydan.”
The Saint looked at me earnestly. “Would you join us? In mastering mysticism, only the legendary ‘War God’ knight managed that balance between being a mystic and a knight. He was the only one able to challenge the knight commander. If I’d known this knowledge earlier… that Snow Mountain expedition tragedy…”
Snow Mountain expedition tragedy. Why does hearing that always leave a heavy feeling?
…It’s probably related to the knight commander’s disappearance.
Phew. After hearing everything, the Saint truly seemed like a mystic.
If he’s working under Agartha, my safety should be assured, and given what he’s shared, he seemed the most knowledgeable among current mystics.
Since investigating the Record Keeper was on my to-do list, there was no reason to decline. If he tries anything, I could always use Agartha as leverage.
“…I’ll accept that offer.”
“Ah, finally! We’ve taken a step closer to the Record Keeper.”
“But I have something to ask in return.”
“Ask anything! As long as it doesn’t involve putting my head in an Outsider’s mouth, I’ll do my best to answer!”
…Why so specific with the demands? Their heads must be filled with thoughts of catching dragons by the horn. Best not to dwell on their mindset.
“Then, what rank does the Interrogator hold?”
“The Interrogator… hmm. Honestly, the Interrogator is quite an ambiguous Outsider. Few know much about it. Even when Lady Agartha explained, I found it puzzling.”
The Saint nodded in thought.
“If I had to classify, it could be Regional, Planetary… or even possibly conceptual. The Interrogator absorbs ‘pain.'”
Pain? Hold on.
Such crucial information suddenly surfaced casually.
“Pain, you say?”
“Yes, though it’s just a hypothesis. The actions involving those ‘creatures,’ and everything pointed towards wanting to induce ‘pain.'”
With those words, all my questions clicked into place.
Why Asti didn’t simply kill me, yet acted so harshly. The bodies found dissected, as described. And the pervasive red aura from those creatures.
Every piece aligned seamlessly.
Discovering vital details without reading books saved me much time.
“…Thank you. Now, I don’t have a reason to visit the library.”
“Oh! That’s great news.”
“Oh, one more thing.”
I cleared my throat, seeing Saint’s eager eyes ready to oblige.
“Do you know an Outsider termed ‘Watcher’?”
For someone so knowledgeable about the obscure Interrogator, he surely knows of the Outsider the old man kept rambling about—one with future-predicting abilities.
If that’s not the old man’s power but an Outsider called the ‘Watcher,’ then it’s comparable to the Record Keeper.
Yet upon hearing my words, the Saint tilted his head, puzzled.
“Watcher? Hmm.”
He shook his head.
“Never heard of it.”
#
Despite more discussions, as I still lacked understanding, most of the conversation just passed by.
Even so, knowing someone who seemed helpful for my future endeavors was a significant gain.
With pleasant steps, I walked to report back to the knight order.
“Sir Leydan, I was looking for you.”
With a serious expression, the Deputy Director stood before me.
“There’s a major issue. It could be graver than the previous hearth fracture incident.”
Already fretting over the Deputy Director’s words, my head began to ache.
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